Dishwashing machine



A ril 1 1927 p 2 P. E. BARKER DISHWASHING MACHINE Filed June 15 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 1927. Apnl 12 P. E. BARKER DISHWASHING MACHINE Filed June 1 5 Sheets-Sheet, 2

April 12, 1927.

F. E. BARKER DISHWASHING MACHINE Filed June 15, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 m n We 1927. Apnl P. E. BARKER DISHWASHINQ MACHINE Filed June 15 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 gwvnloz rll'llllllll I.

192 Apnl 12 7 P. E. BARKER DISHWASHING' MACHINE Filed June 15, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Apr. 12, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PERCY E. BARKER, F CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO ARTHUR B. BE'IZ.

DISHWASHING MACHINE.

Application filed June 15,

I This invention relates to dish washing machines and more particularly to that type of machine wherein the dishes are washed by enclosing them suitably supported in a chamber partially filled with washingliquidand agitating and distributing said liquid over and about the dishes by passing a current of air through the liquid.

' One object of the invention is to generally improve the machine and particularly to provide an improved arrangement for venting the washing chamber to the atmosphere, said vent also serving as an overflow for the liquid and to accurately determine its proper level.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved valve device or deflector for controlling the direction of the air current to either circulate the same for agitating the cleaning liquid or for producing a through air current for drying purposes.

A further object of the invention is to improve the rinsing and filling device to en able several small and powerful clear water jets to be discharged from various points and in different directions through the chamber for thoroughly rinsing all of the dishes therein, and to also provide a more. rapid flow of water in filling the machine.

Further objects of the invention are in part obvious and in part will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In the drawings, which represent one suitable embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a side elevation; Fig. 2 is a plan view; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional elevation on the line 3--3, Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, part of the inner wall oi the air channels being broken away to expose interior parts; Fig. 4 is a cross section on the line 4-4, Fig. 3i Fig. 5 is a detail view corresponding to Fig. 4, and illustrating another positiomof an air valve: Fig. 6 is an inverted plan view of the upper casing memher or cover; Fig. 7 is a detail longitudinal sectional view, on a larger scale, of the rinsing device; Fig. 8 is an end view from the left in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a plan view of the lower casing member; Fig. 10 is a sectional view, corresponding to Fig. 7 and showing a modification; and Fig. 11 is a detail cross section on the line 11-11, Fig. 10.

The apparatus comprises a suitable casing arranged to provide an ample chamber 1923. Serial No. 645,587.

shown in the drawing comprises a lower or body member 2 of the general form of. an. ordinary oval dish pan with sloping side, walls 3 draining to a bottom 4, and upon which is placed the upper casing member or cover 5, also of hollow form and oval in plan view. The two casing'members meet along their flanged peripheries 6, where the joint is sealed by a gasket 7, the casing parts being held together by suitable adjustable clamps 8. Both members are provided with suitable lifting handles fii, 9".

At one side both casing members are provided on their inner surfaces with an inwardly extending wall 10 forming an air channel 11 communicating at its upper end with the outlet 12 from the chamber 13 within a fan casing 14 formed by integral or attached portions of the casing within the washing chamber 1. 15 represents the inlet to the fan chamber, communicating with chamber 1 through the space above a simple circular bafile plate 16 adapted to prevent liquids or soap suds from entering the fan chamber. The fan 17 may be of any suitable form and is .directly connected to the shaft of an electric motor 18 suitably secured to the wall of the cover.

Between the fan outlet 12 and the point where the air channel 11 in the cover meets that in the body member, the casing is provided with suitable valve means controlling the flow of the air current either outwardly to the atmosphere or downwardly through the air channel in the body member. For this purpose the casing wall is enlarged at 19 to form a cylindrical portion in which is rotatably mounted the valve member 20 having a diagonally disposed cross wall 21. Said valve member is held to its seat on a shoulder 22 by the pressure of a spring 23 beneath a cap nut 24 on the bolt 25. This arrangement enables the valve member to be readily rotated by manipulation of its handle 26 to either of the positions shown in Figs. 4 and 5. in the first of which all air discharged by the motor is sent downwardly through channel 11 to be re-introduced into ually toward a drainage outlet closed in any suitable manner, such as by a removable stopper or cork 31 attached to a handle member 32. The channel or chamber 28 is covered by a top plate or wall 33 having a longitudinally extending slot 34, the lips or edges 35 of which are bent downwardly, as shown in Fig. 4. This arrangement traps air in the upper part of the chamber 28 and permits it to enter the liquid in the washing chamber throughout the full length thereof, as more fully described in my prior application before referred to.

Between its ends and beneath wall 33 the floor of the chamberQS is provided with a hollow boss or enlargement 36 threaded to receive a vent and overflow tube or pipe 37 which extends to and through an end wall of the casing where it is provided witlra suitable perforated vent cap 38. Chamber 311 in said boss also communicates with a small passage 40 between two walls 41 extending upwardly in the air channel 11 of i the body member, so that the lower portion of said air channel may be said to be divided into two branches. one on either side of the walls 41. These walls, as well as the small channel 40 between them terminate below the top of the body member 2 at a level which is the proper level of washing liquid in chamber 1.

channel 40 may be bullied by a small cross bridge 42 to deflect the downward air cur rent in channel 11. as will be obvious.

Figs. 3 and 7 illustrate lnore particularly the rinsing mechanism, so arranged as to enable a relatively small number of powerful jets or streams of clear water to be discharged in various directions over the dishes. 43 is a fitting screwed intoan opening at one end of the casino: and threaded at its outer end, as at 44, for attachment thereto, of a hose connection 45 communicating preferably with a double faucet so that either hot or cold water or any desired mixture thereof may be supplied to the machine. The fitting 43 has a smooth inner surface in which is mounted for both longitudinal and rotating movement a tube 46 closed at its opposite end by a plug 47 on the end of a rod 48 passing through an opening in a fitting 49 to the outside of the casing where it is provided with a handle 50. 51 is an ordinary packing. Tube 46 and the attached rod 48 If desired the opening to Fig. 4.

' tubes 46 and 52 are provided with a plurality of openings spaced longitudinally in line with each other, but the spacing of the openings in one tube, such as the inner tube, is slightly greater than the spacing of the openings in the other tube." For example, in

the form shown in the drawings the inner tube has fourteen openings spaced along its length and the outer tube seventeen openings in approximately the same length.

In operation the dishes or other articles to be washed are properly sacked and sup ported in the washing chain er, plates being stood up on edge and other dishes arranged so that the dirtier surfaces are beneath and therefore exposed to rinsing jets from beneath, as will appear. Cups and hollow articles are placed with their concave surfaces downward. With the stopper 31 in place hot water is run into the chamber 1. through hose 45 until the level of water IQZDCllBS the top of channel 40, any excess water then draining of! through said channel and out through the perforated cap 38 -into the sink, it being understood that the machine is supported on a drain board at one side of the sink. Channel 40 therefore acts' as an overflow and level determining means, A suitable detergent, such as liquid or powdered soap, soap flakesor the like, is mixed with the li uid, the cover is applied to the machine an clamped in place, and valve 20 is turned to the position shown in The leads to the motor are then plunged into an ordinary light socket to start the fan 17. The effect of fan 17 is to reduce the pressure in the chamber 1 above the liquid to less thanatmospheric, or in other Words to produce a suction or vacuum eflect therein. The air discharged by the fan flows outwardly through channel 11 and is delivered to chamber 28 where it is distributed lengthwise of said chamber by the trapping effect of the downwardly extending lips 35 and enters chamber 1 throughout the length of said chamber through the orifice 34, the air rising through the washing liquid and producing artificial ebullition therein. In a few seconds an effective soap suds is produced and the violent a itation of the liquid distributes it over t e dishes and washes all foreign matter therefrom. The baiile plate 16 prevents water or sea suds from reaching the fan chamber an therefore protects both the fan and motor. This washing clean.

process is continued for a suitable period, say

5 or 6 minutes, or until from experience 1t has been determined that the] dishes are The motor is then stopped and the drain plug 31 removed, allowing all of the liquid contents of the washing chamber to drain out to the sink and sewer. The hot water supply to hose is again turned on and handle is turned to the position shown in Fig. 3 so that the ports or openings in the two tubes direct the rinsing jets upward ly, it being understood that these jets are preferably directed downwardly when iuitially filling the machine. In rinsing the dishes handle 50 is oscillated or turned from side to side by hand and is also back and forth longitudinally. longitudinal motion it produces relative longitudinal motion pushed rinsing jets longitudinally of the chamber. For example, in Fig. 3 itemay' be assumed that handle 50 is being movedto the left. Tube 52 has been advanced to the left until it abuts fitting 49, so that further motion to the left of handle .50 causes the pin 54 to travel to the left to the end of slot 53. In the position shown in Fig. 3, jets of rinsing water are directed upwardly, one each at the several points marked a, or three" jets in all, because atjthesepointsonly do the holes in the two tubes register. The first increment of relative longitudinal motion be tween the'two tubes producesjets at the points I), the next at c, and so on, so that with this arrangement instead of dissipating the pressure of the water supply by fourteen or more relatively weak or ineflicient jets uniformly distributed along the tube to simultaneously affect the full length of the washing chamber, the pressure is concentrated in, two, three or four powerful-jets and the position of such jets is varied so that a rinsing etfect nevertheless may be produced through the length of the chamber. The rotating motion of thd handleenalx'les the dishes at the sides as well as those at the top of the chamber to be thoroughly rinsed.

, dishes are practically IVhen the dishes are rinse and drained the valve 20 is turned to the position shown in Fig. 5 and the motor is againstarted. A continuous stream of air is now circulated through the Washing chamber, entering at the drain outlet, risingthrough the chamber and leaving by way of the deflector; plate 21 and valve 20. This air current rapidly dries the dishes, which of course, are still hot from the elfect of the hot water used in,

rinsing and washing them, so that when the fan is turned ofi and the cover removed the ifnot wholly dried and may be either stored away or may be allowed to remain in the machine until desired for further use.

It is immaterial whether the two tubes 46,

During its number of powerful ets between the two tubes; 46, 52 and varies the location of the active;

52 are snugl or loosely fitted together. or, in other wor s, whether or not there is frie tional resistance between the two tubes. In the one case motion of the rod 48 in one direction first moves the two tubes together and then "produces relative longitudinal motion between them, while in the second case the relative longitudinal motion is first produced and isfollowed by motion of the two tubestogether.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate a modified form otrinsing device in which a single tube is used. This tube is provided with a relatively small number, say five or six, more or less, of jets or perforations, so that in any position of the rinsing device longituditube may be provide being illustrated, relaone or more, four tively large holes 60 which normally lie within the fittings?) and are therefore inefi'ective. Exposure of these openings to the chamber is normally prevented by the in 61 on the rod 48 abutting the inner end of fitting 49, which normally limits endwise tube motion in one direction, its movement in the opposite direction being limited by the abutment of the operatng handle '50 with the cap on member 49. The longitudinal motion thereby permitted i s\used to reach all parts longitudinally of the chamber. Fitting 49 at one point is provided with a longitudinal slot 62, preferably at the bottom of the casing, so that by turning the handle 50 until it points downwardly and pulling it to the left in Fig. 10 the pin 60 may be moved into the slot 61 to expose the openings 60 beyond the end of fitting 43. This is the position of the parts when tillin the chamber with water, and permits the filling operation to be conducted more rapidly than when the rinsing openings alone are employed for this purpose. The same arrangement of filling openings 60, the pin (31 and slot (32 may obviously be amployed in the arrangement shown in Fig. 3.

Havingdescribedmy invention, I claim:

1. A dish Washing machine, comprising a hollow casing provided with a chamber adapted to receive articles to be washed and a body of cleaning liquid, air moving means having an inlet communicating with the upper portion of said chamber and an outlet communicating by a passage with the lower portion of said chamber and adapted to circulate air upwardly through the liquid body, said passage having an opening to the atmosphere at such a level as to establish apredetermined definite liquid level in said chamber and which opening also serves as a breather vent to the atmosphere.

2. A dish washing machine, comprising a hollow casing provided with a chamber having a drain outlet and adapted to receive articles to be washed and a body of washing liquid, means for circulating'air through said liquid including a conduit within the casing wall and communicating with the upper and lower portions of said chamber, and means including a passage communicating with said conduit at such a level as to establish a predetermined definite liquid level in said chamber and opening through the wall of said casing adjacent said drain outlet for venting said conduit to the atmosphere and also serving as an overflow for liquid.

3. A dish washing machine, comprising a hollow casing including body and cover members enclosing a liquid receiving chamber, means for circulating air through liquid in said chamber including a conduit in the walls of said members communicating with the upper and lower portions of said chamber, and means in the casing body member forming an air vent for said conduit.

4. A dish washing machine, comprising a hollow casing having a liquid receiving chamber and provided with a conduit leading from the upper to the lower portion of said chamber, said conduit having a vent opening to the atmosphere, suction producing means communicating with said chamher and having an outlet, and adjustable means for establishing communication of said outlet either with the atmosphere or with said conduit.

5. A rinsing device for dish washing machines, comprising two tubes telescopically related and each being provided with a 35 series of longitudinally spaced apertures, the spacing of said apertures (littering on the two tubes whereby relative longitudinal movement of said tubes successively brings dilferent pairs of apertures into registration, in and means for supplying a rinsing fluid to said tubes.

6. A dish washing machine, comprising a hollow casing adapted to receive the articles to be washed, and rinsing means, compris- 4-: ing two tubes telescopically related and arranged in the lower portion of said casing, each of said tubes being provided with a series of longitudinally spaced apertures, the

s Jacin of said a ertures difi'erm on the on two tubes whereby relative longitudinal movement of said tube brings into registration diflerent pairs of apertures, means for supplying rinsing liquid to said tubes, and means for rotating said tubes and for pro- 65 ducing relative longitudinal movement thereof.

In testimony whereof I hereby allix my signature.

PERCY E. BARKER. 

